Twenty-six soon-to-be graduates of South Bend schools ceremonially signed their intent to join the military this morning at a joint ceremony attended by their principals, superintendent and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

This is the first year South Bend Community Schools has done a ceremony together for all district graduates joining the military. Superintendent Kenneth Spells. “I see students that are going to gain strong leadership skills. Students that are going to be leaders of this country and students that I’m very proud of.” Spells is a Navy veteran.